In a digital age where streaming reigns supreme, the GRAMMYs are making a refreshing shift in 2026 — and we’re here for it. Known for spotlighting the best in music, the GRAMMYs are switching things up by introducing several exciting updates. Our favourite category? Best Album Cover.
The Recording Academy made the announcement through Twitter and their official website, confirming that these new updates will be in effect at the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2026.
Here are the new updates:
- Two new GRAMMY categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover.
- The Best New Artist category is getting an update that opens the door for more breakout stars. Now, even if an artist has been previously nominated in the Album Of The Year category, they can still be eligible for Best New Artist.
- The existing Best Country Album category has been renamed Best Contemporary Country Album, and a brand-new Best Traditional Country Album category has been added. This significant change recognises the genre's rich diversity and honours both its roots and its ongoing evolution.
- The Academy is combining the existing Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package categories into the single Best Recording Package category.
- Several of the newly announced changes will allow for more artists and creators to be nominated and, ultimately, become GRAMMY winners. In the Classical categories, for example, composers and lyricists/librettists are now eligible for GRAMMY recognition.
🎵 With expansive updates to the GRAMMY Awards process designed to better reflect today's music industry, the 2026 #GRAMMYs will prove once again why the GRAMMY Awards are Music's Biggest Night.
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) June 14, 2025
Here are five reasons why you should be hyped for all the new updates and changes… pic.twitter.com/WxK6JPZRPS
In today’s music industry, aesthetics are everything. The Best Album Cover category means there are now more chances for visual artists, designers, and creative directors alike to be recognised for their contribution to defining different eras through imagery. Whether you're passionate about digital artwork, vinyls or simply love stunning album covers, there's a new opportunity for your favourite artists to score a GRAMMY.
And because we love a good throwback as much as a trending hit, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite album covers.
Beyonce - B Day
Nicki Minaj - The Pink Print
Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lil Wayne - Carter III
Eryka Badu - Mamas Gun
Solange - A Seat at the Table
Fugees - The Score
Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
Tyler the Creator - Chromakopia
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